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[MSE Martin]

What's this about?

If you have composed a good letter to the Ombudsman (or initial complaint to a company) about one of these subjects, please put your letter in the forum for others inspiration. Also see the links below for more template letters from the site.

To post a letter just click reply any extra details and tips that may help others are welcome too. We may also use any good letters as examples in a future Financial Ombudsman guide, so only do it if you're happy for that to happen.

PLEASE DELETE ALL PERSONAL DETAILS BEFORE POSTING

More on this... been treated unfairly? You're entitled to compensation

You've powerful rights when dealing with financial companies. Regulations say that they must “treat customers fairly”, and if not, there's a free way to fight back. The Financial Ombudsman Service has legal power to adjudicate. Go to it, and, when faced with legit complaints, often companies just roll over and pay out. You won't always win, but companies must take you seriously.

Charge for your time!

Hidden in its guidelines, the Ombudsman also says it can add up to £10/hour for the time the consumer spent putting things right.



The Ombudsman can adjudicate on ...

• Bank accounts. As well as Bank Charges reclaiming, it includes incorrect Direct Debits, delayed payments, Setting Off or account admin mistakes.
• Credit cards. Things like unfair interest rate hikes, disputed transactions, credit file defaults, not paying Section 75 claims & Credit Card Charges reclaiming.
• Insurance. Car, Home, Travel, Pet, Roadside Assistance, income protection, critical illness & private medical are now all under the Ombudsman’s remit covering rejected, delayed or unpaid claims & more. Plus, of course, Mis-sold Loan Insurance.
• Pensions & annuities. Wrong advice to transfer out of SERPS, the suitability of the pension or just unfair delays.
• Mortgages and loans. A vast array of issues with lenders or brokers, eg, the way lenders have handled arrears problems.
• Savings & deposit accounts. Incorrectly processed Cash ISA applications or rates not changing as the terms state.
• Mortgage endowments. Eg, Endowment Mis-selling (although time's running out for this).
• More ... Frankly, if it's a financial company, even some investments, then it's likely the Ombudsman is the place to complain if you're not getting anywhere.

Making an effective complaint

First, you must complain directly to the company. If it won't help or takes over eight weeks, then go to the Ombudsman. All it takes is writing a complaint form; think through why it's unfair, and attach evidence if you have it. Like all good writing, the essence of the complaint and the remedy you want should be in the first line.

Please only post template letters in this thread. It isn't for general discussion.

[MSE Martin]

THIS THREAD IS FOR TEMPLATE LETTERS. PLEASE ONLY POST THOSE HERE. PLEASE PLACE DISCUSSIONS ON THIS THREAD. NON TEMPLATE LETTER POSTS WILL BE DELETED

Kind regards

Martin